The Workers’ Rights Amendment and Its Impact on Protecting Quality Jobs and Essential Industries in Illinois
August 11, 2022 | By Frank Manzo IV, Grace Dunn, and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

Illinois Transportation Revenue, Expenditures, and Projects: An Analysis of Rebuild Illinois and Past Funding
July 21, 2022 | By Mary Tyler
Research Report

Registered Nursing in Crisis: National Survey Reveals Insufficient Staffing, Severe Moral Distress, and High Turnover
June 23, 2022 | By Grace Dunn, Larissa Petrucci, Frank Manzo IV, and Robert Bruno
Research Report

Prevailing Wage Repeal, Highway Construction Costs, and Bid Competition in Kentucky: A Difference-in-Differences and Fixed Effects Analysis
June 8, 2022 | By Kevin Duncan, Frank Manzo IV, and Jill Gigstad
Peer-Reviewed Journal Article

The Economic, Fiscal, and Social Effects of Public Investments in Broadband Internet Access in Illinois
June 1, 2022 | By Frank Manzo IV, Andrew Wilson, and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

The Union Advantage During the Construction Labor Shortage: Evidence from Surveys of Associated General Contractors of America Member Firms
May 10, 2022 | By Frank Manzo IV, Larissa Petrucci, and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Transportation Funding Summary for Indiana
March 30, 2022 | By Mary Tyler
Economic Commentary

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Transportation Funding Summary for Illinois
March 29, 2022 | By Mary Tyler
Economic Commentary

Building Good Local Jobs on Utility-Scale Clean Energy Projects in Wisconsin: The Impact of High-Road Labor and Contracting Standards
March 24, 2022 | By Frank Manzo IV, Andrew Wilson, and Russell Kashian
Policy Brief

Improving Labor Standards for Uber and Lyft Drivers in Chicago: Classifying Drivers as Employees Would Deliver Superior Outcomes
February 24, 2022 | By Frank Manzo IV, Larissa Petrucci, and Robert Bruno
Research Report

Implementing a Fair Workweek Law in Illinois: Protecting Frontline Workers from Unpredictable Schedules
February 14, 2022 | By Grace Dunn, Frank Manzo IV, Larissa Petrucci, and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

The Impact of Service Contract Prevailing Wage Laws in the United States and Illinois: Effects on the Labor Market Outcomes of Custodial Workers
January 13, 2022 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Research Report

The Impact of Responsible Bidder Ordinances on Union Contractors in Illinois and Indiana: Evidence from a Natural Experiment of New Ordinances and a Local Case Study
January 5, 2022 | By Andrew Wilson and Frank Manzo IV
Research Report

The Impact of Unions on Construction Worksite Health and Safety: Evidence from OSHA Inspections
November 30, 2021 | By Frank Manzo IV, Michael Jekot, and Robert Bruno
Research Report

The Effect of “Federal-Aid Swap” Programs and Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wages on Highway Construction Costs and Contractor Composition: Evidence From Iowa
November 24, 2021 | By Frank Manzo IV
Peer-Reviewed Journal Article

I-290 Reconstruction: Creating a Modern Multimodal Corridor
November 9, 2021 | By Mary Tyler
Research Report

Apprenticeship as a Career Development Alternative: Enrollment, Hours, and Earnings in Registered Apprenticeship Programs in Wisconsin
October 7, 2021 | By Frank Manzo IV, Robert Bruno, and Nathaniel Goodell
Research Report

Union Apprenticeships: The Bachelor’s Degree of the Construction Industry – Data from the United States 2010-2020
September 23, 2021 | By Frank Manzo IV and Erik Thorson
Research Report

Apprenticeship Training in Iowa: Enrollment, Completion Rates, and Earnings of Registered Apprentices in Iowa
September 15, 2021 | By Frank Manzo IV and Jill Gigstad
Research Report

Illinois Passed the Most Pro-Worker, Pro-Climate Law in the United States
September 15, 2021 | By Frank Manzo IV
Policy Memo

The Effects of ‘Federal-Aid Swap’ Programs on Highway Construction Costs, Contractor Diversity, and Out-of-State Contractors: Evidence from Iowa
August 6, 2021 | By Frank Manzo IV
Research Report

Building a Strong Minnesota: An Analysis of Minnesota’s Union Construction Industry
July 1, 2021 | By Frank Manzo IV, Jill Gigstad, Robert Bruno, and Kevin Duncan
Research Report

Protecting Workers’ Rights in Illinois: Illinois Fares Better than “Right-to-Work” States on 10 Important Economic Outcomes
May 19, 2021 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Research Report

Blue-Collar Construction Worker Wages Fell After Indiana Repealed Its Prevailing Wage Law
May 10, 2021 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

Women and Child Care in Illinois: A Survey of Working Mothers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
May 5, 2021 | By Frank Manzo IV, Alison Dickson, Robert Bruno, Jill Gigstad, and Emily E. LB. Twarog
Research Report

Building Good Jobs on Clean Energy Projects: A Primer on the Economics of Unions and Prevailing Wage Standards in Illinois
April 1, 2021 | By Frank Manzo IV
Research Report

COVID-19 & Transportation Funding in Illinois: One Year Later
March 25, 2021 | By Mary Tyler
Research Report

Improving Transportation Investment through Performance-Based Programming
February 23, 2021 | By Mary Tyler
Research Report

Promoting Good Jobs and a Stronger Economy: How Free Collective-Bargaining States Outperform “Right-to-Work” States
February 9, 2021 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Research Report

On-Demand Workers, Sub-Minimum Wages: Evidence from Transportation Network Provider Trips in the City of Chicago
January 19, 2021 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Research Report

The Impact of Oregon’s Prevailing Wage Rate Law: Effects on Costs, Training, and Economic Development
January 18, 2021 | By Frank Manzo IV and Lina Stepick
Research Report

The Costs of Wage Theft and Payroll Fraud in the Construction Industries of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois: Impacts on Workers and Taxpayers
January 14, 2021 | By Frank Manzo IV and Nathaniel Goodell
Research Report

The Economic and Fiscal Impacts of Collective Bargaining Agreements in Construction A Northeastern Illinois Case Study
January 12, 2021 | By Frank Manzo IV, Robert Bruno, and Jill Gigstad
Research Report

The Impact of Responsible Bidder Ordinances on Bid Competition and Public Construction Costs: Evidence from Illinois and Indiana, 2018-2019
October 20, 2020 | By Frank Manzo IV
Research Report

The Effects of Repealing Prevailing Wage in Wisconsin: Impacts on Ten Construction Market Outcomes
October 2, 2020 | By Frank Manzo IV, Kevin Duncan, Jill Gigstad, and Nathaniel Goodell
Research Report

The State of the Unions 2020: A Profile of Unionization in Chicago, in Illinois, and in the United States
September 3, 2020 | By Frank Manzo IV, Robert Bruno, Virginia Parks, and Jill Gigstad
Research Report

Building Good Jobs in the Great Plains Through Clean Energy Investments: Impacts in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota
September 3, 2020 | By Jill Gigstad and Frank Manzo IV
Policy Brief

There Is Evidence that Illinois’ Re-opening Plan Has Worked — For Now
July 22, 2020 | By Frank Manzo IV
Policy Memo

Pandemic Preparedness in Illinois: Illinois’ Union Hospitals Were Better Positioned for the Public Health Crisis
June 30, 2020 | By Frank Manzo IV and Jill Gigstad
Policy Brief

The Effects of the Global Pandemic on Illinois Workers: An Analysis of Essential, Face-to-Face, and Remote Workers During COVID-19
June 4, 2020 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

Future of Illinois: Invest in Kids. Build the Future
May 15, 2020 | By Alan Gottlieb and Frank Manzo IV
Policy Brief

COVID-19 and Transportation Funding in Illinois
May 6, 2020 | By Mary Tyler, Frank Manzo IV, and Jill Gigstad
Policy Brief

Implementing a Work-Share Program in Illinois: Protecting Jobs, Boosting Incomes, and Saving Taxpayer Dollars
April 7, 2020 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

Enacting Paid Sick Leave in Illinois: COVID-19 and the Impact of Workplace Standards on Public Health
March 24, 2020 | By Frank Manzo IV, Robert Bruno, and Jill Gigstad
Policy Brief

Prevailing Wage and the American Dream: Impacts on Homeownership, Housing Wealth, and Property Tax Revenues
February 19, 2020 | By Frank Manzo IV, Jill Gigstad, and Robert Bruno
Research Report

The Impact of Paid Parental Leave in Illinois: A Labor Market Perspective
February 3, 2020 | By Jill Gigstad, Robert Bruno, and Frank Manzo IV
Policy Brief

Factors that Impact PreK-12 Student Test Scores in Illinois: An Analysis of 543 Local Public School Districts
January 20, 2020 | By Robert Bruno, Jill Gigstad, and Frank Manzo IV
Research Report

Bargaining for Innovation: An Analysis of Collective Bargaining Agreements in Illinois Public School Districts
January 13, 2020 | By Robert Bruno, Jill Gigstad, and Frank Manzo IV
Research Report

The Apprenticeship Alternative: Enrollment, Completion Rates, and Earnings in Registered Apprenticeship Programs in Illinois
January 6, 2020 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

Assessing Potential Options to Provide Property Tax Relief in Illinois
December 19, 2019 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

The Impact of Construction Apprenticeship Programs in Minnesota: A Return-on-Investment Analysis
September 16, 2019 | By Frank Manzo IV, Robert Bruno, and Jill Manzo
Research Report

The Impact of Construction Apprenticeship Programs in Minnesota: A Return-on-Investment Analysis
September 16, 2019 | By Frank Manzo IV, Robert Bruno, and Jill Manzo
Research Report

Do Nurse Staffing Standards Work? Evidence from a 2018 Survey of Registered Nurses
September 9, 2019 | By Frank Manzo IV, Robert Bruno, and Emily E. LB. Twarog
Policy Brief

Raising the Minimum Wage to $15 in Chicago by 2021: Effects on Incomes, Employment, and Prices
September 5, 2019 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

The State of the Unions 2019: A Profile of Unionization in Chicago, in Illinois, and in the United States
September 2, 2019 | By Frank Manzo IV, Robert Bruno, and Virginia Parks
Research Report

The Impact of Repealing West Virginia’s Prevailing Wage Law: Economic Effects on the Construction Industry and Fiscal Effects on School Construction Costs
May 21, 2019 | By Frank Manzo IV and Michael Kelsay
Research Report

ILEPI Testimony on Registered Apprenticeship Programs
April 30, 2019 | By Frank Manzo IV
Testimony

The Fiscal Impact of Safe Patient Limits in Illinois: Four Ways the Policy Would Improve Hospital Bottom Lines
April 23, 2019 | By Frank Manzo IV
Policy Brief

Roadway Safety in Illinois: Examining the Needs, Economic Costs, and Potential Improvements
April 9, 2019 | By Mary Craighead
Policy Brief

ILEPI Testimony on Safe Patient Limits
April 2, 2019 | By Frank Manzo IV
Testimony

The Impact of Enacting a Progressive Income Tax in Illinois: Understanding How Illinois Could Cut Middle-Class Taxes, Balance the Budget, and Grow the Economy
April 1, 2019 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

Progressive Income Tax in Illinois: Fact Sheet
April 1, 2019 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Fact Sheet

Addressing Concerns About Illinois Switching to a Progressive Income Tax
April 1, 2019 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Fact Sheet

ILEPI Testimony on Nursing Shortage
March 25, 2019 | By Frank Manzo IV
Testimony

ILEPI Testimony on Investing in Water Infrastructure
March 21, 2019 | By Frank Manzo IV
Testimony

The Illinois Nursing Shortage: Assessing the Need for Safe Patient Limits and Collective Bargaining
March 20, 2019 | By Frank Manzo IV, Jill Manzo, and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

ILEPI Testimony on $15 Minimum Wage
February 5, 2019 | By Frank Manzo IV
Testimony

Legalizing Sports Betting in Illinois: Evaluating Policy Options and Fiscal Impacts
February 5, 2019 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

The Regional Impacts of a $15 Minimum Wage in Illinois: Estimates for Six Regions
February 5, 2019 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

Federal-Aid Swap Program Would Cost Scott County $3.5 Million
January 22, 2019 | By Frank Manzo IV and Jill Manzo
Policy Brief

Reject the Dubious Claims Made by the Centennial Institute on the Costs of Marijuana Legalization
December 19, 2018 | By Frank Manzo IV
Policy Brief

Iowa MPOs Should Opt-Out of “Federal-Aid Swap” Program
December 13, 2018 | By Frank Manzo IV and Jill Manzo
Policy Brief

The Financial Impact of Legalizing Marijuana in Illinois
November 9, 2018 | By Frank Manzo IV, Jill Manzo, and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

An Examination of the Economic Effects of a Potential Responsible Bidder Ordinance for St. Petersburg, FL
October 30, 2018 | By Frank Manzo IV, Kevin Duncan, and Dewey Caruthers
Policy Brief

Raising the Minimum Wage: What $10, $13, or $15 Per Hour Would Mean for Illinois
October 25, 2018 | By Frank Manzo IV, Jill Manzo, and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

The State of the Unions 2018: A Profile of Unionization in Chicago, in Illinois, and in the United States
September 12, 2018 | By Frank Manzo IV, Robert Bruno, and Virginia Parks
Research Report

The State of the Unions 2018: A Profile of Unionization in Minnesota and in the United States
September 12, 2018 | By Jill Manzo, Monica Bielski Boris, Frank Manzo IV, and Virginia Parks
Research Report

The State of the Unions 2018: A Profile of Unionization in Wisconsin and in the United States
September 12, 2018 | By Jill Manzo, Michael Childers, Don Taylor, Frank Manzo IV, and Robert Bruno
Research Report

An Examination of Minnesota’s Prevailing Wage Law: Effects on Costs, Training, and Economic Development
July 16, 2018 | By Frank Manzo IV and Kevin Duncan
Research Report

The Effects of the Chicago Minimum Wage Ordinance: Higher Incomes with Little to No Impact on Employment, Hours, and Businesses in the First Two Years
June 29, 2018 | By Frank Manzo IV, Robert Bruno, and Robert Habans
Research Report

Climate Change and Its Impact on Infrastructure Systems in Indiana
June 7, 2018 | By Mary Craighead
Policy Brief

The Energy Sector in Indiana: Getting Down and Dirty on Clean Energy Opportunities
June 7, 2018 | By Mary Craighead and Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

Responsible Bidder Ordinances Promote Local Construction Standards: Evidence from Indiana
May 22, 2018 | By Frank Manzo IV and Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

After Janus: The Impending Effects on Public Sector Workers from a Decision Against Fair Share
May 9, 2018 | By Frank Manzo IV
Research Report

Passing the Buck: An Assessment of Capital Funding Needs in Illinois
May 2, 2018 | By Mary Craighead
Research Report

Frank Manzo IV Testimony on the Possibility of a Progressive Income Tax in Illinois
May 2, 2018 | By Frank Manzo IV
Testimony

Full-Time Incomes in Illinois: How Are You Doing This Tax Season? 2017
April 10, 2018 | By Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

Mary Craighead’s Testimony on the Effects of the Proposed Federal Infrastructure Plan
April 4, 2018 | By Mary Craighead
Testimony

Forecasting Bumpy Roads Ahead: An Assessment of Illinois Transportation Needs
April 4, 2018 | By Mary Craighead
Policy Brief

Women in High-Ranking Positions: The Few, The Need, the Benefits
March 8, 2018 | By Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

Frank Manzo IV Testimony on the Impacts of Repealing the Prevailing Wage
February 27, 2018 | By Frank Manzo IV
Testimony

Robert Bruno Testimony on the Impacts of Repealing the Prevailing Wage
February 27, 2018 | By Robert Bruno
Testimony

Kevin Duncan Testimony on the Impacts of Repealing the Prevailing Wage
February 27, 2018 | By Kevin Duncan
Testimony

State Prevailing Wage Laws Reduce Racial Income Gaps in Construction: Impacts by Trade, 2013-2015
February 28, 2018 | By Frank Manzo IV, Robert Bruno, and Jill Manzo
Policy Brief

President Trump’s Proposed Infrastructure Plan: The Shift to Local Funding & Illinois’ Response
February 21, 2018 | By Mary Craighead
Policy Memo

Addressing the Opioid Epidemic Among Midwest Construction Workers
February 20, 2018 | By Frank Manzo IV and Jill Manzo
Policy Brief

The Effects of Repealing Common Construction Wage in Indiana: Impacts on Ten Construction Market Outcomes
January 29, 2018 | By Frank Manzo IV and Kevin Duncan
Research Report

The Potential Economic Consequences of a Highly Automated Construction Industry: What If Construction Becomes the Next Manufacturing?
January 17, 2018 | By Jill Manzo, Frank Manzo IV, and Robert Bruno
Research Report

I-80 Corridor Analysis: Exemplifying the Need for Infrastructure Investment
January 12, 2018 | By Mary Craighead
Policy Brief

Failing Grade: Critiquing a December 2017 Report on Prevailing Wage by the Illinois Policy Institute
December 17, 2017 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

The Consequences of Abolishing the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program: Estimating Impacts in Illinois
November 20, 2017 | By Jill Manzo, Frank Manzo IV, and Robert Bruno
Research Report

The Elimination of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program: Impacts on Illinois
November 20, 2017 | By Shamus Quinn, Mary Craighead, Frank Manzo IV, and Robert Bruno
Research Report

Climate Change and Its Impact on Infrastructure Systems in the Midwest
October 10, 2017 | By Mary Craighead
Policy Brief

High-Impact Higher Education: Understanding the Costs of the Recent Budget Impasse in Illinois
September 6, 2017 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

The State of the Unions 2017: A Profile of Unionization in Minnesota and in America
September 4, 2017 | By Jill Manzo, Frank Manzo IV, Don Taylor, Michael Childers, and Robert Bruno
Research Report

The State of the Unions 2017: A Profile of Unionization in Wisconsin and in the United States
September 4, 2017 | By Jill Manzo, Frank Manzo IV, Don Taylor, Michael Childers, and Robert Bruno
Research Report

Recent Female College Graduates Earn Less than Their Male Counterparts in Illinois, With Important Exceptions
August 21, 2017 | By Jill Manzo
Policy Memo

Subsidizing the Few: An Introduction to Economic Development Subsidies in Illinois
August 17, 2017 | By Mary Craighead
Policy Brief

Playing Favorites: Understanding the Demographics of Economic Development Subsidies in Illinois
August 17, 2017 | By Mary Craighead
Policy Brief

Preferable Alternatives: The Cost of Business Subsidies in Illinois
August 17, 2017 | By Frank Manzo IV and Jill Manzo
Policy Brief

Quality Investments: Best Practices for Business Subsidies in Illinois
August 17, 2017 | By Mary Craighead
Policy Brief

Public Policies That Grow the Illinois Economy: An Evidence-Based Review of the Current Debate
July 19, 2017 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Research Report

Testimony on Transportation Funding and the Potential Impact of an IDOT Shutdown
June 27, 2017 | By Frank Manzo IV
Testimony

The Union-Business Case for Firm Relocation and Investment in Illinois and Peoria
June 27, 2017 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

IDOT Shutdown: Understanding the Economic and Transportation Consequences
June 20, 2017 | By Mary Craighead and Frank Manzo IV
Policy Brief

The Social Costs of Repealing Wisconsin’s Prevailing Wage Law
June 19, 2017 | By Frank Manzo IV and Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

Prevailing Wage Works in McHenry County
June 9, 2017 | By Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

A New Bill to Use BLS Data for Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wage Would Be a Pay Cut for Middle-Class Construction Workers
June 1, 2017 | By Frank Manzo IV
Memo

The State of the Unions 2017: A Profile of Unionization in Chicago, in Illinois, and in America
May 22, 2017 | By Frank Manzo IV, Virginia Parks, and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

Union Membership Declined in “Right-to-Work” States and Increased in Collective-Bargaining States Last Year
May 10, 2017 | By Frank Manzo IV
Memo

Responsible Bidder Ordinances are Protection Plans for Taxpayers, Providing the Highest Value at the Lowest Cost
May 10, 2017 | By Frank Manzo IV
Memo

The $5 Billion Cost of Construction Fatalities in the United States: A 50 State Comparison
May 8, 2017 | By Jill Manzo
Research Report

The H-2B Guest Worker Program Unnecessarily Lowers Construction Worker Wages in Illinois
May 3, 2017 | By Frank Manzo IV
Memo

A Comparison of Highway Construction Costs in the Midwest and Nationally
March 20, 2018 | By Mary Craighead
Policy Brief

In Support of Route 53/120: Understanding the Transportation, Economic, and Local Impacts of a Modern Roadway
April 20, 2017 | By Mary Craighead
Research Report

Building America with Prevailing Wage: The Davis-Bacon Act Delivers Good Middle-Class Jobs, a Strong Economy, and the Best Value for U.S. Taxpayers
April 14, 2017 | By Frank Manzo IV, Kevin Duncan, and Peter Philips
Research Report

The Economic, Fiscal, and Social Effects of Ohio’s Prevailing Wage Law
April 10, 2017 | By Frank Manzo IV, Lameck Onsarigo, Alan Atalah, and Kevin Duncan
Research Report

Prevailing Wage and Military Veterans in Connecticut: Applied Policy Brief
April 6, 2017 | By Frank Manzo IV, Jill Manzo, Kevin Duncan, and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

The Impact of “Right-to-Work” Laws on Labor Market Outcomes in Three Midwest States: Evidence from Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin (2010-2016)
April 3, 2017 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Research Report

Full-Time Incomes in Illinois: How Are You Doing This Tax Season?
March 27, 2017 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

Union Decline and Economic Redistribution: A Report on Twelve Midwest States
March 13, 2017 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Research Report

HB 1002: Investing in Indiana’s Future
March 13, 2017 | By Mary Craighead
Policy Brief

Alternative State and Local Options to Fund Public K-12 Education in Illinois
February 20, 2017 | By Frank Manzo IV, Jill Manzo, and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

The High Cost of Construction Injuries and Fatalities: A Case Study of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin
February 9, 2017 | By Jill Manzo and Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

Policies to Reduce African-American Unemployment: Investments in Education, Infrastructure, Public Employment, and Housing
February 6, 2017 | By Frank Manzo IV, Jill Manzo, and Robert Bruno
Economic Commentary

A Highly Educated Classroom: Illinois Teachers are NOT Overpaid
February 2, 2017 | By Jill Manzo, Frank Manzo IV, and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

Illinois’ Two-Headed Beast: Unfunded Pension Liabilities and Unfunded Infrastructure Needs
December 28, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV and Mira Staykova
Policy Brief

Gas Taxes in the United States and Globally: Failing to Address Transportation Infrastructure
December 21, 2016 | By Mary Craighead and Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

The Economic, Fiscal, and Social Effects of Kentucky’s Prevailing Wage Law
December 15, 2016 | By Frank Manzo and Kevin Duncan
Research Report

Road and Bridge Report: Wisconsin vs. Illinois vs. Iowa
December 6, 2016 | By Jill Manzo and Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

Nuclear Energy in Illinois: The Foundation of a Clean Energy Future
November 14, 2016 | By Mary Craighead
Policy Brief

Weakening Waukesha County: Prevailing Wage Changes Will Hurt the County
November 11, 2016 | By Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

Prevailing Wage Repeal Cannot Result in “44 Percent Savings”: Evidence from Southwestern Wisconsin
October 26, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

Prevailing Wage and Military Veterans in Minnesota: Applied Policy Brief
October 5, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV, Jill Manzo, Kevin Duncan, and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

The Views of Economics and Policy Academics in Illinois: 2016-2017 School Year
September 28, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

Policies that Support Employment: Investments in Public Education, Investments in Public Infrastructure, and a Balanced State Budget
September 7, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Research Report

The State of the Unions 2016: A Profile of Unionization in the Twin Cities, in Minnesota, and in America
September 5, 2016 | By Jill Manzo, Frank Manzo IV, Monica Bielski Boris, and Robert Bruno
Research Report

Construction Careers versus Construction Jobs: A Case Study of Two Construction Sectors in the Twin Cities Region
August 31, 2016 | By Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

The Prevailing Wage is the Local Market Rate: Employment and Job Turnover Evidence from the Border of Illinois
August 29, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV
Research Report

The Impact of Apprenticeship Programs in Illinois: An Analysis of Economic and Social Effects
August 24, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Research Report

School Construction and Prevailing Wage in Minnesota
August 23, 2016 | By Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

Prevailing Wage and Military Veterans in Wisconsin: Applied Policy Brief
August 18, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV, Jill Manzo, Kevin Duncan, and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

The Energy Sector in Minnesota: Getting Down and Dirty on Clean Energy Opportunities in Minnesota
August 17, 2016 | By Jill Manzo and Mary Craighead
Economic Commentary

The Impact of Construction Union Dues in Minnesota: An Organizational and Individual-Level Analysis
August 16, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV, Jill Manzo, and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

The Status of Female Workers in Illinois: Overrepresented in Unstable, Lower-Paying Sectors
August 1, 2016 | By Mira Staykova
Economic Commentary

Building a Strong Winnebago County: How Prevailing Wage Works
July 27, 2016 | By Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

The State of the Unions 2016: A Profile of Unionization in Milwaukee, in Wisconsin, and in the United States
July 25, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV, Jill Manzo, Don Taylor, Michael Childers, and Robert Bruno
Research Report

The Costs and Benefits of International Trade in Illinois: Estimating Impacts on Manufacturing and the Economy
July 20, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV, Jill Manzo, and Robert Bruno
Research Report

The Energy Sector in Illinois: Getting Down and Dirty on Clean Energy Opportunities in Illinois
July 20, 2016 | By Mary Craighead
Economic Commentary

Better Roads Ahead: Vote YES on the Illinois Transportation Funds Amendment
July 18, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV
Policy Brief

A Minimum-Wage Worker Cannot Afford a Modest Apartment: Evidence from Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Iowa
July 13, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV and Mira Staykova
Policy Brief

A Corporate Welfare Program that Illinois Cannot Afford: The Retailer’s Discount Costs Over $100 Million a Year
July 12, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV and Jill Manzo
Policy Brief

The Most Equal and Unequal Jobs in Illinois: Occupational Employment Statistics
June 30, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

Wind Power and the Illinois Economy: Summary of Impacts
June 29, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV and Lydia Simrayh
Economic Commentary

Obesity in America and Illinois: Reducing Obesity Can Benefit the Economy
June 14, 2016 | By Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

The State of the Unions 2016: A Profile of Unionization in Iowa and in the United States
May 31, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV, Jill Manzo, and Robert Bruno
Research Report

States with Higher Minimum Wages Added More Jobs: April 2015 – April 2016
May 26, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

The State of the Unions 2016: A Profile of Unionization in Indianapolis, in Indiana, and in the United States
May 23, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV, Jill Manzo, and Robert Bruno
Research Report

The State of the Unions 2016: A Profile of Unionization in Chicago, in Illinois, and in the United States
May 16, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV, Virginia Parks, and Robert Bruno
Research Report

The Rise of Wage Inequality in Illinois: In Two Graphs
May 11, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

The Impact of Prevailing Wage Laws on Military Veterans: An Economic and Labor Market Analysis
May 10, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV, Robert Bruno, and Kevin Duncan
Research Report

Analysis of Graduated Income Tax Proposal – Amendment to House Bill 689
May 3, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV
Policy Brief

Road Infrastructure Investment Summary: Illinois vs. Texas
April 14, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV and Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

The Application and Impact of Labor Union Dues in Illinois: An Organizational and Individual-Level Analysis
April 13, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

An Analysis of the Impact of Prevailing Wage Thresholds On Public Construction: Implications for Illinois
April 1, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Research Report

Insuring Illinois: The Affordable Care Act Has Expanded Health Coverage
March 10, 2016 | By Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

Two Sides of the Same Gold Coin: School Construction and Water Quality Projects in Iowa
March 7, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV and Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

The History of Economic Inequality in Illinois: 1850 – 2014
March 4, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV
Research Report

The Impacts of New Mexico House Bills 110 & 200 (2016)
February 16, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV, Kevin Duncan, and Alex Lantsberg
Policy Brief

Competency Needed: Addressing Iowa’s Skilled Construction Worker Shortage
February 15, 2016 | By Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

A $10 Billion Loss: Illinois’ Motor Fuel Tax Should Have an Inflationary Adjustment
February 10, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV and Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

The Economic, Fiscal, and Social Impacts of State Prevailing Wage Laws: Choosing Between the High Road and the Low Road in the Construction Industry
February 9, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV, Alex Lantsberg, and Kevin Duncan
Research Report

Stop Saying that Illinois is Bad for Business: The Data Show Otherwise
January 26, 2016 | By Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

A Flowing Economy: How Clean Water Infrastructure Investments Support Good Jobs in Chicago and in Illinois
January 7, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Research Report

Revenue Solutions to the State Budget Crisis In Illinois: A Comparative Evaluation
January 1, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV
Policy Brief

Towards the High Road in the New Hampshire Construction Industry: The Impact of a State Prevailing Wage Law
January 1, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV, Kevin Duncan, Alex Lantsberg, and Stephen Herzenberg
Research Report

Weakening Prevailing Wage Hurts Local Contractors and Workers: A Case Study from Southern Indiana
June 15, 2016 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

Causes of Indiana’s Road Funding Gap: Inflation, Fuel Efficiency, and Inaction
December 21, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

The Cost of Construction Injuries and Fatalities in Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa
December 18, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

The Views of Economics and Policy Academics in Illinois
September 2, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

Unions Can Increase Efficiency: Ten Examples
September 1, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

Collective-Bargaining, Right-to-Work, and the Business Location of America’s Top Companies
September 1, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Economic Commentary

The State of the Unions 2015: A Profile of Unionization in Chicago, in Illinois, and in America
August 18, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV, Robert Bruno, and Virginia Parks
Research Report

The Cost of Repealing Michigan’s Prevailing Wage Policy: Impacts on Total Construction Costs and Economic Activity
June 25, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV, Kevin Duncan, and Alex Lantsberg
Research Report

Illinois Can No Longer Afford to Be a Donor State: Illinois Ranks 46th in Federal Funding
June 22, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV
Policy Brief

Building a Strong Lake County: How Prevailing Wage Works
June 19, 2015 | By Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

Building a Strong DuPage County: How Prevailing Wage Works
June 12, 2015 | By Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

Building a Strong Kane County: How Prevailing Wage Works
June 9, 2015 | By Jill Manzo
Economic Commentary

Testimony Before U.S. House of Representatives on Right-to-Work
June 3, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Testimony

Localized Disempowerment: The Movement to Implement Right-to-Work ‘Zones’
June 1, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV
Memo

Efficiencies of Project Labor Agreements: Illinois Capital Development Board Projects, 2011-2013
May 18, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Economic Commentary

The Major Victims of Right-to-Work Laws: Construction Workers
May 13, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

The Distribution of I-RIDE Revenues: 2015 Local Allotments
April 24, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

The Impact of Local “Right-to-Work” Zones: Predicting Outcomes for Workers, the Economy, and Tax Revenues in Illinois
April 6, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Research Report

Illinois Income Report: How Are You Doing This Tax Season?
April 3, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

The I-RIDE Proposal 2.0: A Smart, Reliable Policy to Fund Transportation Infrastructure
April 1, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV and Marc Poulos
Policy Brief

Infrastructure Investment and Public Safety Spending: Economic Impacts for Illinois
March 11, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

Road and Bridge Construction Workers in the Midwest: Productive, High-Skilled, and Well-Paid
March 1, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Policy Brief

A Turnaround or a Turn Aground? Fact Checking Governor Rauner’s First Claims
February 10, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV
Policy Brief

Prevailing Wage Laws, Contractor Profits, and the Economic Pie
January 28, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

The Pay of Union Leaders: Debunking the “Big” Labor Myth
January 12, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Economic Commentary

Illinois Teens and the Minimum Wage: The Impacts of Minimum Wage Hikes, 2004-2013
January 12, 2015 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Economic Commentary

The IN-RIDE Proposal: A Modern, Sustainable Policy to Fund Transportation Infrastructure
December 1, 2014 | By Frank Manzo IV and Marc Poulos
Policy Brief

Road User Fees: A Smoother Path
October 1, 2014 | By Frank Manzo IV
Memo

Free-Rider States: How Low-Wage Employment in “Right-to-Work” States Is Subsidized by the Economic Benefits of Collective Bargaining
September 2, 2014 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Research Report

The State of the Unions 2014: A Profile of Unionization in Chicago, in Illinois, and in America
August 22, 2014 | By Frank Manzo IV, Robert Bruno, and Virginia Parks
Research Report

Building a Strong McHenry County: How Prevailing Wage Works
August 11, 2014 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

Self-Sufficient Construction Workers: Why Prevailing Wage Laws are the Best Deal for Taxpayers
August 11, 2014 | By Frank Manzo IV and LeNee Carroll
Research Report

Regarding Illinois’ Prevailing Wage Law and School Construction Costs
August 1, 2014 | By Frank Manzo IV
Testimony

Testimony on Illinois Senate Bill 1046
August 1, 2014 | By Frank Manzo IV and Marc Poulos
Testimony

Illinois Federal Income Taxes: By Occupation, 2011-2013
July 8, 2014 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

P3s: Where Wall Street Meets Main Street: The Possibility of Expanding Work in the Public Interest
July 1, 2014 | By Frank Manzo IV
Memo

Common Sense Construction: The Economic Impacts of Indiana’s Common Construction Wage
June 23, 2014 | By Frank Manzo IV, Robert Bruno, and Scott Littlehale
Research Report

Off-Roading? Analyzing Diversions from Illinois’ Road Fund
May 1, 2014 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

Highway Construction Costs: How Does Illinois Compare?
May 1, 2014 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

Vehicular Infrastructure Comparison: Illinois vs. Missouri
May 1, 2014 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

Union and Nonunion Households: General Social Survey, 2000-2012
April 22, 2014 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Economic Commentary

Collaborative Development: The Pros and Cons of P3s on Construction Projects
April 1, 2014 | By Frank Manzo IV
Policy Brief

Minimum Wage, Maximum Benefit: How a $10 Wage Floor Impacts All Workers and the Economy
March 17, 2014 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Research Report

The Benefits of Doing Business in Illinois
March 12, 2014 | By Frank Manzo IV
Policy Brief

Which Labor Market Institutions Reduce Income Inequality?
January 29, 2014 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Research Report

Increasing Horizontal Construction through the Gas Tax: Benefits to Clinton County, IA
January 1, 2014 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

Illiana Expressway Jobs: Summary of Job Creation Estimates
December 2, 2013 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

The Benefits of the Illiana Expressway: An Opportunity for Indiana
November 6, 2013 | By Frank Manzo IV
Policy Brief

Broken Promises: Right-to-Work’s Early Track Record in Indiana
October 16, 2013 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

A Weakened State: The Economic and Social Impacts of Repeal of the Prevailing Wage Law in Illinois (Policy Brief)
October 7, 2013 | By Frank Manzo IV, Robert Bruno, Dale Belman, and Alison Dickson Quesada
Policy Brief

A Weakened State: The Economic and Social Impacts of Repeal of the Prevailing Wage Law in Illinois
October 7, 2013 | By Frank Manzo IV, Robert Bruno, Dale Belman, and Alison Dickson Quesada
Research Report

The Economic Effects of Adopting a Right-to-Work Law: Implications for Illinois
October 7, 2013 | By Frank Manzo IV, Robert Bruno, Roland Zullo, and Alison Dickson Quesada
Research Report

The State of Working Illinois 2013: Labor in the Land of Lincoln
October 1, 2013 | By Frank Manzo IV and Robert Bruno
Economic Commentary

A State of Lost Labor: Who Are the Unemployed in Illinois?
October 1, 2013 | By Frank Manzo IV
Economic Commentary

In Defense of the Illiana Expressway: Benefits to Workers, Businesses, and Families
August 30, 2013 | By Frank Manzo IV
Policy Brief